Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris: "All The Roadrunning"

A collaboration between Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris may seem a little strange to some, but the two music icons have shared a recording studio on several occasions over the years - including a Chet Atkins CD and a Hank Williams tribute album. <More>       

"Sail Away: The Songs of Randy Newman"

On May 9, 2006, an amazing collection of Americana artists released a collection of songs in tribute to Randy Newman.  The CD - entitled Sail Away: The Songs of Randy Newman - focuses on Newman's recordings from the 1970s.  <More>       

Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood"

On March 7, 2006, alt-country singer songwriter Neko Case released her latest CD entitled Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. The CD is the follow-up release to the 2005 live album The Tigers Have Spoken. <More>       

The Wood Brothers' "Ways Not To Lose"

On March 7, 2006, The Wood Brothers released their latest collection of acoustic roots music entitled Ways Not To Lose. Consisting of Oliver Wood on guitar and brother Chris Wood on upright bass, The Wood Brothers music is a compelling blend of blues, folk and bluegrass. <More>   

Shawn Mullins' "9th Ward Pickin' Parlor"

Shawn Mullins' debut release for Vanguard Records marks a return to the acoustic sound featured on Mullins' early solo recordings.  9th Ward Pickin' Parlor is named for the singer-songwriter's home studio in New Orleans where much of the CD was recorded. <More>    

J.J. Baron's "Brand New Stranger"

We are excited to feature several songs from J.J. Baron's Rhody Records debut Brand New Stranger. The CD features the Rhode Island singer-songwriter's blend of folk, country, bluegrass and other roots styles.  Baron has been writing songs since his early teens and has opened for artists such as Guy Clark and Catie Curtis. In addition to the up-tempo title track, the CD's highlights include the honky-tonk influenced "Stereo Confessions" and the melodic "Open Door."  We are really impressed by this up-and-coming Americana artist, and we are sure you will enjoy his music as well.   

Reagan Boggs' "Never Looking Behind"

The hills of Southwest Virginia have produced many great Americana artists.  One of the latest products of this fertile musical region is Reagan Boggs. Her latest release is entitled Never Looking Behind. <More> 

Shannon McNally's "North American Ghost Music" 

On February 7, Shannon McNally released her third CD entitled North American Ghost Music.  The live release is the third CD from the Hempstead, Long Island native. McNally's reflective and intimate music has led to opening gigs for artists such as Stevie Nicks, Ryan Adams and Son Volt.  North American Ghost Music contains a collection of songs recorded on her summer 2005 tour in support of her recent studio CD Geronimo. Highlights from the latest CD include live versions of "Sweet Forgiveness' and the title track from Geronimo.

On May 2, 2006, Alejandro Escovedo released his first studio recording since being diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2002. Having survived the nearly fatal disease, Escovedo's latest release is a personal document about survival entitled The Boxing Mirror. <More>   

From time to time a CD crosses our path that makes us say "Wow! - Now that's what I'm talking about!" The latest release from Wrinkle Neck Mules is just one of those CDs. Entitled Pull The Brake, this latest CD from the Virginia-based band is a perfect mix of alternative country, bluegrass and folk. <More>

On March 7, 2006, The Little Willies released their self-titled debut CD. The group's most notable member is jazz-pop sensation Norah Jones. Despite her pop success, The Little Willies is not Jones' first foray into country music. <More>    

Van Morrison's "Pay The Devil"

For an artist whose career has embraced Americana influences ranging from folk to blues to rock, it is somewhat surprising that Van Morrison has never recorded a true country album. Morrison completes the Americana circle with his latest release Pay The Devil. <More>

Robin Ella's "Solace for the Lonely"

In 2003, Robin Ella Contreras released an intriguing collection of acoustic Americana music with her band entitled Robinella and the CC String Band. For her sophomore release, Robin Ella has compiled a new band, with a new name, and a new expanded sound.  <More>    

Teddy Thompson's "Separate Ways"

On February 21, 2006, Teddy Thompson released his debut CD on the Verve Forecast label entitled Separate Ways. Thompson is the only child of British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson - who both make an appearance on this release.  <More> 

Lee Roy Parnell's "Back to the Well"

On March 7, 2006, Texas roots-music veteran Lee Roy Parnell released his latest CD entitled Back to the Well. Parnell's latest release continues the alternative country approach featured on his last CD - 2001's Tell The Truth. <More> 

BR549's "Dog Days"

The latest studio release from BR549 is entitled Dog Days. The Nashville band has emerged as one of the most popular alt-country bands of the past decade. The new release was recorded with producer John Keane in Athens, Georgia. Keane is well-known for his work with REM, Cowboy Junkies and Robert Earl Keene, among others. Dog Days is the follow-up to the band's 2004 release Tangled in the Pines. Highlights from the band's latest CD include "Poison", "After The Hurricane" and "You Are The Queen."

The Duhks

On January 24, 2006, Sugar Hill Records re-released the Duhks debut CD entitled Your Daughters & Your Sons.  The CD was recorded in 2002 a mere four months after the band was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The recording had recently only been available at the band's concerts and through the band's website. Interest in the CD was sparked by the success of the Duhk's 2005 Sugar Hill release The Duhks. Since this is the first opportunity many fans have had to listen to the band's debut CD, we are currently featuring songs from both releases on Americana Today.